Protesters near White House call for President to protect human rights in Vietnam

WASHINGTON (WUSA9/AP) -- Approximately 2,000 protesters were gathered across the street from the White House, calling for President Obama to protect human rights in Vietnam on the same day the president met with Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang.

President Obama met with Sang in the Oval Office on Thursday. He said they are committed to completing a regional trade pact before the end of the year that would create jobs and increase investments in the Asia-Pacific region and in both countries.

President Obama said they also discussed issues of human rights. Sang previously told The Associated Press that American concerns over his country's arrests of dissidents and other human rights abuses shouldn't hinder closer military and economic ties.

Sang also said President Obama agreed to visit Vietnam before his term ends.